If you love a hearty, comforting pasta dish packed with flavor and creamy goodness, then you are absolutely going to adore the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly cooked rotini pasta twirled with savory ground beef, all enveloped in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it to friends, this recipe hits all the right notes with rich textures, vibrant flavors, and that cozy feeling you crave from home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on straightforward ingredients that combine to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role—from the tender rotini pasta that holds the sauce beautifully, to the ground beef providing hearty richness, and the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce delivering that perfect zing.
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: The spiraled shape holds sauce wonderfully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds a savory, meaty depth that makes the dish satisfying and filling.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold aroma and flavor that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to a creamy consistency without any lumps.
- 2 cups milk: The creamy base that transforms the sauce into a silky, comforting hug for the beef and pasta.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty, salty richness that elevates the sauce to gourmet status.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds subtle earthiness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but crucial for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: Helps brown the beef beautifully and adds an extra layer of richness to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, fresh note to finish off the dish and add a pop of color.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, the stage is set for building your rich sauce and perfectly browned beef, so timing matters here. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from feeling greasy but still flavorful.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Into the same skillet with the browned beef, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step is essential for infusing the dish with that signature garlicky aroma that makes this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe so memorable.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to coat and cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens into a creamy sauce, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, coating every spiral with that luscious garlic Parmesan sauce and beef. Let everything warm through together for a minute or two, allowing flavors to marry perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top isn’t just for appearance—it adds a wonderful fresh contrast to the creamy sauce and lightens up the plate visually and in flavor. For a little extra touch, you could also add a grating of extra Parmesan cheese or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Side Dishes
Pair this delicious pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or a simple crusty baguette would also complement the dish wonderfully, allowing you to scoop up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe in individual bowls to make everyone feel special, or garnish with toasted pine nuts for a crunchy surprise. For a cozy dinner party, plate it with a side of roasted vegetables or even a glass of your favorite red wine to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen nicely, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce seems a bit thick after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of milk when reheating to bring it back to that creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini holds the sauce beautifully thanks to its spiral shape, penne or fusilli would also work well. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute to preserve that hearty texture without compromising on flavor.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan is best because it melts better and offers superior flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch. Just be mindful that some pre-grated cheeses have additives that can affect texture.
How can I make this dish creamier?
Adding a little more milk or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce can increase its creaminess. Just be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly so it remains balanced.
What’s the best way to mince garlic for the sauce?
Use a sharp knife to finely mince the garlic or press it through a garlic press for the most intense flavor infusion. Fresh garlic is key to that signature garlicky punch.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a true comfort food winner that’s easy to prepare yet impressive in taste and texture. It’s the kind of dish that invites smiles at the table and requests for seconds. Give it a try, and watch how this simple combination turns into a family favorite you’ll love making again and again.
Print
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This savory Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a comforting pasta dish combining tender ground beef with al dente rotini pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce infused with Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies both flavor and texture cravings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook on low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Beef with Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and add the drained rotini pasta. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting beef and rotini dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use milk with lower fat content or substitute Parmesan with a lighter cheese option.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein choice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add more Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh garlic will provide the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
